Micrografting: An Old Dog Plays New Tricks in Obligate Plant Pathogens

Abstract

Micrografting, which was developed almost 50 years ago, has long been used for virus eradication, micropropagation, regeneration, rejuvenation and graft compatibility. Recently, micrografting has been used for studies of long-distance trafficking and signaling of molecules between scions and rootstocks. The graft transmissiveness of obligate plant pathogens, such as viruses, viroids and phytoplasmas, facilitated the use of micrografting to study biological indexing and pathogen transmission, pathogen-induced graft incompatibility, and screening for the pathogen resistance during the past 20 years. The present study provides comprehensive information on the latter subjects. Finally, prospects are proposed to direct further studies.

In Vitro Regeneration, Micropropagation and Germplasm Conservation of Horticultural Plants

“…Micrografting has been widely used to produce virus-free plants and for the formation of whole plants, particularly when shoots (scions) have difficulty forming adventitious roots [40][41][42]. In a comprehensive review, Wang et al [43] addressed the application of micrografting to improved micropropagation of horticultural species in the 21st century and discussed factors affecting the success of micrografting.…”